OH HB688

Prohibits law enforcement, court, or corrections officials from restraining pregnant women or female juveniles during the third trimester of pregnancy, during transport to hospital, during labor, during delivery, or during postpartum recovery.

Allows restraint during these periods only if the official determines the person presents a serious threat of physical harm, contacts a treating health care professional beforehand, and the professional does not object based on risk to the pregnant person or unborn child.

Restricts restraint methods to exclude leg, ankle, or waist restraints when restraining pregnant women or juveniles during protected periods.

Requires officials to immediately remove restraints if a treating health care professional notifies them the restraint poses a risk of physical harm to the pregnant person or unborn child.

Establishes violations as interfering with civil rights (a first-degree misdemeanor) and allows victims to bring civil actions for damages, punitive damages, litigation costs, and attorney's fees.